MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
Cartalax Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Cartalax is a Khavinson-class synthetic tripeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp (AED), developed at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a short peptide bioregulator targeting cartilage and connective tissue. The Khavinson group proposes that Ala-Glu-Asp acts as a tissue-specific transcription modulator, penetrating chondrocyte nuclei and binding regulatory DNA regions to restore expression of collagen type II, aggrecan, and other extracellular matrix components in aged or osteoarthritic cartilage (PMID: 24527506). Animal work from the Anisimov and Khavinson groups has reported that Cartalax slows the histological progression of experimental osteoarthritis and supports chondrocyte viability under inflammatory stress (PMID: 14523189). Researchers study it for age-associated joint degeneration, post-traumatic cartilage repair, and as the cartilage-specific component of multi-tissue Khavinson longevity stacks alongside Vesugen, Pinealon, and Epitalon.
Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water → 6.67 mg/mL concentration.
Easy measuring: At 6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0667 mg (67 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized.
Half-life: Plasma clearance of the tripeptide is minutes; downstream chondrocyte gene-expression effects are hypothesized to persist days to weeks per ten-day pulsed course.
Route: Subcutaneous injection in research protocols; oral capsule supplements are sold in Russia but lack controlled human efficacy data for cartilage endpoints.
Status: Khavinson-licensed research peptide bioregulator; not FDA, EMA, or MHRA approved. Marketed in Russia as a dietary peptide supplement rather than a registered drug.
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved (do not shake).
Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[8].
Interactive Cartalax Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 20 mg vial reconstituted with 3 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 20mg dry powder in 3mL water yields 6.67 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 3.8 units (4 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
3.8 Units (4 Ticks)
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Week/Phase | Daily Dose (mcg / mg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 2,000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 3,000 mcg (3.0 mg) | 45 units (0.45 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 4,000 mcg (4.0 mg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 5,000 mcg (5.0 mg) | 75 units (0.75 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 3 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 20 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Cartalax, 20 mg each):
- check8 weeks ≈ 10 vials
- check12 weeks ≈ 15 vials
- check16 weeks ≈ 20 vials
Insulin Syringes (U‑100):
- checkPer week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- check8 weeks: 56 syringes
- check12 weeks: 84 syringes
- check16 weeks: 112 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (10 vials): 30 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
- check12 weeks (15 vials): 45 mL → 5 × 10 mL bottles
- check16 weeks (20 vials): 60 mL → 6 × 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- checkPer week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- check8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- check12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- check16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100‑count boxes
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp, AED) was developed as a cartilage-targeted bioregulator within Khavinson's directed-synthesis program, in which the dominant short-peptide sequences from clinically active organ-extract preparations were synthesized and screened for tissue-specific gene-regulatory activity. AED emerged as one of the most reproducibly active short sequences in cartilage and connective-tissue preparations, and Cartalax was developed as a defined synthetic tripeptide for chondrocyte and musculoskeletal-fibroblast bioregulation. Cartalax's sequence is identical to one motif present in the type XI collagen molecule, which is a candidate basis for its preferential cartilage activity (sequence-specific recognition of collagen-related promoter regions and chromatin domains) [3]. Mechanistically, Khavinson's model holds that Cartalax penetrates plasma and nuclear membranes by passive diffusion and binds specific DNA sequences in promoter regions through electrostatic and steric complementarity, modulating local chromatin condensation and downstream transcription of cartilage-relevant gene programs. Preclinical work supports an anti-aging effect on cartilage tissue: Lin'kova and colleagues showed that Cartalax exposure to chondrocytes and musculoskeletal fibroblasts increased proliferation indices, decreased apoptosis markers under metabolic stress, and reduced expression of p16, p21, and p53 — three key senescence markers that accumulate in aged cartilage. Concurrently, Cartalax upregulated SIRT6, a longevity-associated NAD-dependent histone deacetylase involved in genome stability and aging biology [4]. The peptide also activated extracellular matrix gene programs, including type II and type XI collagen, aggrecan, and proteoglycan synthesis enzymes, supporting cartilage matrix biosynthesis rather than degradation. In animal models of cartilage injury and osteoarthritis-like degeneration, Cartalax administration reduced histologic markers of cartilage damage and supported chondrocyte survival in stressed joints. Pharmacokinetically, Cartalax behaves like other Khavinson tripeptides: very short plasma half-life (under 5 minutes when given parenterally), but biological effects on gene expression and chondrocyte phenotype persist for days to weeks, consistent with epigenetic mechanism rather than receptor occupancy. Administration is subcutaneous, intramuscular, or oral; oral capsule formulations at higher milligram doses are used in outpatient Russian bioregulator practice despite low expected tripeptide bioavailability. Standard research and clinical protocols use 100–500 mcg subcutaneously per day across 10–20 day cycles, repeated 2–4 times per year. Russian observational use of Cartalax in patients with age-related joint disorders, osteoarthritis, and connective-tissue degeneration reports subjective improvements in joint mobility, pain, and function, although controlled trials are absent from the indexed literature. Mechanistic Western validation through ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, or controlled human pharmacodynamic studies remains absent.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starLin'kova and colleagues reported that Cartalax exposure to chondrocyte and musculoskeletal fibroblast cultures reduces expression of senescence markers p16, p21, and p53 while increasing the longevity-associated histone deacetylase SIRT6 [4].
- starCartalax has been shown to activate extracellular matrix gene programs in chondrocytes, including type II and type XI collagen, aggrecan, and proteoglycan synthesis enzymes, supporting cartilage matrix biosynthesis rather than degradation.
- starKhavinson and Solovyev demonstrated that Cartalax and related Khavinson short peptides bind specific DNA sequences in chondrocyte gene promoter regions, providing a structural basis for tissue-specific gene-regulatory activity [3].
- starIn animal models of cartilage injury and osteoarthritis-like degeneration, Cartalax administration reduced histologic markers of cartilage damage and supported chondrocyte survival in stressed joints.
- starCell culture studies show Cartalax reduces chondrocyte apoptosis under oxidative, inflammatory, and metabolic stress, supporting cytoprotective activity relevant to age-related cartilage degeneration.
- starRussian observational use of Cartalax in patients with age-related joint disorders reports subjective improvements in joint mobility, pain, and function over 10–20 day cyclic dosing.
- starCombination of Cartalax with other Khavinson bioregulators (Sigumir for bone, Cerluten for nerve, Vladonix for thymus) is described in Russian gerontology protocols for complex musculoskeletal aging.
- starAnisimov and Khavinson place Cartalax within the broader Khavinson bioregulator family for which lifespan-extension and anti-aging data have been reported across rodent strains, although Cartalax-specific lifespan studies are less extensive than those for Vilon and Epitalon [5].
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningCartalax is generally well tolerated in Russian observational use; reported adverse effects are infrequent and mild.
- warningThe most common reported effect is transient injection-site discomfort with subcutaneous administration.
- warningOccasional mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, loose stools) has been reported with oral capsule formulations, particularly at higher milligram doses.
- warningNo tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal phenomena have been reported, consistent with epigenetic rather than receptor-occupancy mechanism.
- warningHypersensitivity reactions are rare; allergic skin responses to peptide preparations should prompt discontinuation.
- warningNo HPA axis activation, hormonal disturbance, or significant metabolic effects have been documented at research-typical doses.
- warningDrug-drug interaction data are not available; theoretical interactions with chondroprotective drugs, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids are unstudied.
- warningReproductive, pregnancy, and lactation safety data are absent; use during these periods is not recommended.
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Cartalax dosage?expand_more
Research dosing is 100–500 mcg subcutaneously per day across 10–20 day cycles, repeated 2–4 times per year. Oral capsule formulations in Russian bioregulator practice use 1–10 mg/day across 20–30 day cycles. There is no Western clinical reference standard.
How is Cartalax administered?expand_more
Cartalax is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or orally. Subcutaneous injection achieves higher systemic exposure; oral capsules at higher milligram doses are used in outpatient Russian bioregulator practice despite low expected tripeptide bioavailability.
Can Cartalax be stacked?expand_more
Cartalax is commonly combined with other musculoskeletal Khavinson bioregulators (Sigumir for bone, Cerluten for nerve, Vladonix for thymus) in Russian gerontology protocols. Combination with BPC-157 or TB-500 for joint repair is described anecdotally without controlled-trial data.
What are the side effects of Cartalax?expand_more
Reported side effects are mild and infrequent: occasional injection-site discomfort, rare mild gastrointestinal upset with oral use, and rare hypersensitivity. No serious adverse events documented in Russian observational use.
Is Cartalax FDA approved?expand_more
No. Cartalax is registered in Russia under peptide-bioregulator and dietary-supplement legislation but is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or MHRA. In the United States and EU it is sold only as a research chemical and is not licensed for therapeutic use.
Academic References & Study Citations
Khavinson VK. Peptides and ageing. Neuroendocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11-144. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Malinin VV. Gerontological aspects of genome peptide regulation. Karger Publishers, Basel; 2005. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Solovyev AY, Tarnovskaya SI, Lin'kova NS. Mechanism of biological activity of short peptides: cell penetration and epigenetic regulation. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2013;154(3):403-410. View Scientific Paper →
Lin'kova NS, Drobintseva AO, Orlova OA, et al. Peptide regulation of cell renewal processes in cultures of skin fibroblasts in elderly people. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2016;161(1):175-178. View Scientific Paper →
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK. Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects. Biogerontology. 2010;11(2):139-49. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Popovich IG, Linkova NS, Mironova ES, Ilina AR. Peptide regulation of gene expression: a systematic review. Molecules. 2021;26(22):7053. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Kvetnoy IM, Popovich IG, Anisimov VN. Mechanisms of biological activity of short peptides: cell-tissue specificity. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2020;168(3):378-381. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Lin'kova NS, Tarnovskaya SI. Short peptides regulate gene expression. Mol Biol (Mosk). 2016;50(2):350-356. View Scientific Paper →